Ok- I hope this is alright to post a thread for this as there definitely isn't another spot for it. So, I just left my 34 week visit and I was actually looking forward to this one because I've had so much going on in the last few weeks that I was eager to discuss with my doc- but, I wound up seeing the NP instead. She came in the room and caught me seriously off guard by asking if the doctor had discussed the results of my 28 week screen yet. I've been going every 2 weeks since then so, I found it strange since I was previously told all was well with my glucose etc. Then she drops a major bomb on me which left me confused as hell..... she says.... "well, I'm asking because you tested positive for alcohol". Now, if any of you knew me you'd know how ridiculous that is- I'm the kind of nut job that refused to even eat a cold turkey sandwich until like 2 weeks ago because I'm crazy like that. I wouldn't even consider drinking while pregnant- I can barely finish a glass of wine while without dozing off while I'm not pregnant (although I do enjoy trying once and a while). I immediately questioned if there was any thing that could have produced a false positive- maybe the sugars from the glucose... the Zantac I take regularly.. anything! I was looking for advice because if I am taking something that is producing ethyl alcohol in my blood I need to know, obviously. And she just said matter of factly- "no. This kind of result only comes from alcoholic beverages." I was mortified. She clearly thought I was lying and it took everything to not burst into tears I was so humiliated. She said "well, we are going to have to check again so...." and I said well, that's fine obviously but to be honest I am very upset that this is even something in my chart! I asked for a photo copy of the report so I could bring it home and do some research but, I'm not finding a whole lot of info. Some things suggest that depending on the exact test they ran it could have been something as simple as them using an incorrect alcohol containing swab on my skin first. But, the paper doesn't state whether or not this was run from blood or urine as I have both that day. I do think that I was given an anti-bac wipe to use before the urine sample but I can't be 100% because I've given so much pee the last 8 months and I haven't really put a whole lot of thought into it at the time. After I got home my husband convinced me to call the office back and request that the actual doctor call me back and discuss my concerns with him not the crap NP but, I can't help but feel so worried that they think I'm some sort of loser. I was so caught off guard I didn't even get to discuss any of my concerns I'd been waiting to go over. She just kept saying things like "it is what it is, I guess"... like wtf does that even mean in this situation. I know it's unlikely but, has anything this like this ever happened to anyone else?? Or what the crap would you do if you were me? I don't want to seem like I'm overcompensating but, I'm truly upset about this and most of all want to get to the bottom of what could have caused that result if it was in fact somehow an accurate blood reading.
Re: Alcohol screen rant/advice
If I were you, I would call and ask for the doctor to call me back so I could discuss the results with him. I'd also be curious why he hadn't brought it up as you've seen him in between.
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Me 34 DH 34
PCOS
Baby number 2 due 4/11/20
Why did they even test you for alcohol?! Did they believe they had "reason for concern?" I would feel very violated by this and would probably switch doctors (which could be really tough at this stage in the game). I would be ENRAGED. Such a violation of your privacy!
I've had patients receive false positive from everything from HIV to meth and it can be very emotionally damaging to patients (Which is why this type of mandatory not-for-cause testing is a problem...) I'm curious what state you live in? Your rights regarding prenatal drug screens vary from state to state. I'm sure that the re-test will come back negative and this will all go away but wouldn't hurt to know your rights!
Good of luck and don't stress too much!
Is it possible the lab or dr's office made a mix up?
Your healthcare providers are there to support you and help you and your baby get the best medical care, not to judge you!
A lab error is far more likely than you having a detectable amount of alcohol in your system without your knowledge.
It could be provider/clinic policy to test all patients. Do you have any of the paperwork they had you sign when you became a patient? It might indicate if a drug screen is their standard or required. You should not worry about looking guilty by questioning your provider. You have a right to your healthcare information and you can request a copy of all of records at any time.
Type 1 Diabetes since 2001, MTHFR hetero A1298T
Dogs: Raider 4 yrs, Dex 4 yrs
BFP #2 7/6/16 SCH, D&C 8/4/16
BFP #3 12/26/16 EDD: 9/6/17
My Chart / My Diabetes/Pregnancy Blog
My Type 1/TTC/Pregnancy Podcast:
Juicebox Podcast Episode 118
A1Cs:
1/12/16 6.7%
5/25/16 6.0%
11/2/16 6.1%
3/22/16 5.8%
4/27/17 5.4%
6/13/17 5.3%
"Sugar Fancy Tutu"
It does make me feel better knowing everyone would have a similar reaction. The doctor never wound up calling me back tonight which really just adds insult to injury considering I was specifically told he would call when he was done seeing patients. I go back on Monday so worst case scenario I suppose I will just have to bring it up then. I had thoughts of changing to a new practice a few months ago but decided to stick it out- and I'm seriously regretting not following my gut on this one.
i would still look into changing to a new practice. Even with 6 weeks to go, you want to find someone who you can trust and that doesn't treat you like shit because of their lab error. The peace of mind is definitely worth switching doctors.
eta: typo
Type 1 Diabetes since 2001, MTHFR hetero A1298T
Dogs: Raider 4 yrs, Dex 4 yrs
BFP #2 7/6/16 SCH, D&C 8/4/16
BFP #3 12/26/16 EDD: 9/6/17
My Chart / My Diabetes/Pregnancy Blog
My Type 1/TTC/Pregnancy Podcast:
Juicebox Podcast Episode 118
A1Cs:
1/12/16 6.7%
5/25/16 6.0%
11/2/16 6.1%
3/22/16 5.8%
4/27/17 5.4%
6/13/17 5.3%
"Sugar Fancy Tutu"
That was the appropriate way to handle things - they didn't accuse or freak me out. They talked about it like "we get weird results sometimes, so lets just try again. No big deal." Of course I still freaked out, but they did their part to communicate to me in a respectful, non-judgmental, try-not-to-freak-out way.
The NP's whole "no. This kind of result only comes from alcoholic beverages." is super judgy-judgy. Also, the lack of follow up from your doc is irritating.
I agree with @Sugargirl1019 How do they explain fasting blood tests that show alcohol? You were fasting. The whole point is to not eat or drink. I mean, I get that some people just don't care (sure, I suppose some women drink at 8 am, even when they're pregnant and are supposed to be fasting), but how about giving their patient the benefit of the doubt for a minute?
edited because grammar
Married 2013
Kiddo #1: Sept 2015
BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
I had no idea that you could even be drug tested without consent at a doctors office. If I've ever been tested for anything in either of my pregnancies, nobody ever mentioned it to me. I am one of those people that might have a half a glass of wine in later pregnancy sometimes, but surely something like that would not show up on a test at that high of a level the next day! That sounds like a level of blood alcohol that you would have like right after having a couple of drinks. That is ridiculous they would accuse you of doing that especially while fasting for your glucose test.
Also, I had false positive results for gonhorrea during my 1st pregnancy. My husband at the time, who was deployed, called me from Iraq, and listened to me accuse him of cheating. Meanwhile he accused me back and said that I must have gotten it on my own. Then fast forward a week and the doctor says just kidding. Way to rock my marriage.
Me: 31 DH: 36
Married since 11/25/2013
#1 (bio) born 01/18/2006
#2 (bio) born 09/08/2008
#3 (step) born 02/17/2009
#4 (our 1st together) EDD 09/09/2017
https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/31/health/auto-brewery-syndrome-dui-womans-body-brews-own-alcohol/index.html
Me: 35 | DH: 38
Met: 2007
Married: 2013
BFP #1: 06/21/16 MMC: 08/04/16
BFP #2: 01/08/17 DD: 09/23/17
BFP #3: 06/10/20 EDD: 02/11/2021
Apparently fenugreek can give you some really odd discharge. So if you use it as a milk production supplement, be aware.
Sorry you're dealing with this. Hopefully it gets cleared up
also... I NEVER got a call back. Not even today. I almost called back today but, honestly I just had too much going on- (we are currently moving which is super fun to do at 34 week pregnancy btw) and I just didn't have it in me to deal with that today. Especially because it's clearly it's going to be a "thing"... I mean not calling me back, blowing off my concerns... I don't know how well I will be able to conduct myself to be honest because my embarrassment has really just made way right into anger at this point.
Type 1 Diabetes since 2001, MTHFR hetero A1298T
Dogs: Raider 4 yrs, Dex 4 yrs
BFP #2 7/6/16 SCH, D&C 8/4/16
BFP #3 12/26/16 EDD: 9/6/17
My Chart / My Diabetes/Pregnancy Blog
My Type 1/TTC/Pregnancy Podcast:
Juicebox Podcast Episode 118
A1Cs:
1/12/16 6.7%
5/25/16 6.0%
11/2/16 6.1%
3/22/16 5.8%
4/27/17 5.4%
6/13/17 5.3%
"Sugar Fancy Tutu"
Married 2013
Kiddo #1: Sept 2015
BFP: 1/19, EDD: 9/30
"I'm having fruit salad for dinner. Well, it's mostly just grapes, actually. Ok all grapes. Fermented grapes. Fine, I'm having wine for dinner."
DS2: EDD- 09.08.17
so, I guess I got a call today but, it never rang and I just heard the little blip from the voicemail. I called back within 2 minutes and apparently that was quick enough for him to not be available. He was supposed to "call right back when he was finished with a patient" and here we are 5 hours later. I won't be holding my breath for a call back today.
I am going to insist on a re-test immediately. After looking further into the test- (Toxassure 13) I do believe this portion of the results was from the urinalysis. I have read that sometimes yeast can cause a false positive reading and I have had a reoccurring yeast infection this entire pregnancy- which I have tried to treat 4x with only short lived reprieves. I think it has to do with my diet being so high in carbs right now because of all my crazy aversions- and I have always had a severe sensitivity to any kind of soap. I can wash my face in the shower and one tiny bubble can drip down past my v and boom. YI. It's a real good time. So, I am wondering IF that could be the trigger? Seems like a stretch but, I'd just like some answers. Because, honestly maybe it's just my ego and pride KNOWING that I've done everything "right" (or close e-friggen-nough) this pregnancy that it just really irks me that a paper like that is even in my chart.
No offense to anybody that uses the phrase regularly, but "It is what it is," from the mouth of your nurse has to be one of the most insipid comments possible.